E-commerce Outlook
The world of e-commerce has opened up a new frontier for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Japan.
Insider Intelligence believes that after booming in 2020 due to a pandemic, e-commerce growth worldwide has slowed significantly.
Niche markets and specialized products and services have helped Japanese SMEs succeed in e-commerce. This method helps them distinguish apart and meet customer needs that larger companies may overlook
In several developed economies, traditional stores gained ground on their online rivals last year. Online stores will do slightly better this year, but they need to remember about a return to the heyday of the 2010s.
The E-commerce Revolution
E-commerce has transformed the Japanese business landscape, especially for SMEs. It has provided an unprecedented platform for smaller businesses to break into the market, reach a wider audience, and compete with larger companies on a level playing field. E-commerce in Japan has grown exponentially over the past decade, becoming one of the most lucrative sectors in the nation’s economy.
One of the main reasons behind this growth is the increasing accessibility of e-commerce platforms. Today, many Japanese SMEs leverage Rakuten, Amazon Japan, and Yahoo! Shopping platforms to sell their products and services. These platforms offer easy-to-use tools that allow even the smallest businesses to set up and manage their online stores with minimal effort and investment.
Niche Markets and Personalization
Japanese SMEs have found great success in e-commerce by focusing on niche markets and offering highly personalized products and services. This strategy allows them to stand out from the competition and cater to specific customer needs that might be overlooked by larger corporations.
For example, some Japanese SMEs specialize in creating handcrafted artisanal products, while others offer unique experiences or services deeply rooted in local culture. By catering to these niche markets, these businesses can build loyal customer bases and generate a steady revenue stream.
The Future of E-commerce for Japanese SMEs
According to OOSG, over half of all Japanese internet users (48.2%) regularly shop at least once weekly, and 45.9% of Japanese internet users have made online purchases in the last year.
Due largely to the reluctance of older Japanese consumers to adopt digital technologies, the country’s online retail sector needs to catch up. However, the COVID-19 epidemic has caused shifts in consumer behavior, and the government’s legislative support for digitization has increased online sales.
Over the next few years, online sales are projected to increase seven to ten times faster than retail sales.
The future looks bright for Japanese SMEs in the e-commerce space. As technology evolves and new platforms emerge, smaller businesses will have even more opportunities to reach new audiences, streamline their operations, and find innovative ways to differentiate themselves.
Furthermore, the Japanese government has recognized the importance of supporting SMEs in the digital marketplace. It has implemented various initiatives to help them grow and thrive in the e-commerce sector. These measures include providing financial support, facilitating access to global markets, and offering training and educational resources.
"Otsumami" - a bite size snack:
E-commerce has opened up a world of possibilities for Japanese SMEs, allowing them to prosper in the digital marketplace and contribute to the continued growth and diversification of the Japanese economy.
